With so many EDC flashlights out there, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by all the different sizes, outputs, batteries, and everything else you need to keep in mind when making a purchase, even before you’re ready to turn the light on. Sometimes simplicity is efficiency, and you just want to be able to use a flashlight on without any complicated setup. If you’re looking for a no-frills, general purpose light that you can rely on, consider the MacroStream USB. It takes Streamlight’s popular pocketable penlight form factor and gives it the modern upgrades that make it a solid choice for today’s EDC.
At 4.5“ long and 0.83” in diameter, the MacroStream USB is a compact personal light that will fit right inside your pockets, similar to the Microstream before it that put a reliable AAA flashlight in hundreds of EDCer’s pockets over the years. The body features an aluminum construction with type II mil-spec anodizing, giving it an IPX4 rating for water resistance and 1 meter of impact resistance. This makes the MacroStream a durable performer while keeping it lightweight at 2.2 oz. The lens features scratch-resistant polycarbonate and every opening is sealed with an o-ring to prevent ingress. The MacroStream also keeps the ergonomic shape of its predecessors: slimmer at the middle to provide you with a more secure grip and for ease of use of its two-way clip.
The MacroStream USB features two simple modes, accessed by a push-button tail-switch. On High, you get a maximum output of 500 lumens with a beam distance of 90 meters and 2 hours of runtime. On Low, you get a 50-lumen output with a 30 meter beam and 8 hours of runtime. Voltage and power are provided by the built-in li-ion battery, charged by an onboard micro USB charging port covered by the head of the flashlight for extra protection. When the light runs out of power, simply slide the head to reveal the port, and when plugged in the MacroStream takes about 4 hours to get a full charge.
Streamlight takes the beloved form factor and takes it into the future with more power and thoughtful upgrades, while keeping the MacroStream USB affordable for EDC. Take it for a nightly walk, use its pocket clip for hands-free repairs or carry it as your backup light like always, but better. Check out the MacroStream USB by clicking on the link below.
